
Following a career-ending rodeo accident that leaves him with a severe head injury, a former star searches for a new direction on the Pine Ridge Reservation. As he attempts to redefine himself, Brady’s journey becomes a moving exploration of identity, masculinity, and the possibility of redemption in a rural South Dakota landscape.
Does The Rider have end credit scenes?
No!
The Rider does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of The Rider, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Discover where to watch The Rider online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, TMDb, Wikipedia or Rotten Tomatoes.
See how The Rider is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Rider stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
The Rider balances immersive visual storytelling with introspective character drama, offering a largely positive experience tempered by its deliberate pacing. Critics frequently praised the film’s elegant camera work and natural soundscapes, and users highlighted the film’s emotional authenticity and contemplative tone. However, some viewers noted moments of narrative stillness and limited plot progression. Overall, The Rider emerges as a quietly resonant film with substantial emotional and aesthetic strengths.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Rider
Art & Craft
In terms of art and craft, The Rider offers striking visual compositions and assured direction. Observers highlighted the film’s elegant framing and naturalistic lighting, noting each frame’s capacity to evoke landscape and emotion. Although one perspective mentioned moments of directorial restraint, the prevailing view emphasizes the production’s cohesive design and rhythmic editing. The net effect is a robust visual identity that anchors the film’s authenticity.
Character & Emotion
When it comes to character and emotion, The Rider presents deeply felt performances and genuine interpersonal dynamics. Critics and viewers alike praised the lead’s nuanced expressiveness and the authentic family interactions, emphasizing the emotional resonance of sibling moments. A few noted occasional awkwardness from nonprofessional actors, but the broader consensus values the film’s sincere portrayal of internal struggle. Altogether, this aspect enriches the narrative with heartfelt immediacy.
Story & Flow
In terms of story and flow, The Rider unfolds with a contemplative pace and thematic focus on identity. Many observers commended its thoughtful exploration of aspiration and self-understanding, praising moments of poetic quiet and narrative sincerity. Yet some viewers found the minimal plot progression challenging and noted segments of stillness that test engagement. Overall, the film’s measured rhythm serves its reflective aims but may limit dynamic tension.
Sensory Experience
When it comes to sensory experience, The Rider excels in creating an immersive soundscape and cohesive visual style. Viewers highlighted distinctive sound details—from the patter of hooves to ambient nature cues—and praised the moody instrumental score that underpins key scenes. The film’s visual consistency also drew acclaim for capturing sunsets and terrain with authenticity. Together, these elements forge a compelling sensory atmosphere that enhances the overall mood.
Rewatch Factor
When considering rewatch factor, The Rider offers moderate replay appeal grounded in its reflective mood. Supporters value the film’s emotional nuances and its atmospheric world, suggesting renewed insights on subsequent viewings. Conversely, some viewers cited the deliberate pacing and minimal plot shifts as barriers to repeated watchings. In sum, the film’s contemplative strengths may reward patient audiences, though its subdued progression could limit broad rewatchability.
85
Metascore
7.5
User Score
97%
TOMATOMETER
82%
User Score
7.4 /10
IMDb Rating
73
%
User Score
3.78/5
From 9 fan ratings
Challenge your knowledge of The Rider with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What is Brady's relationship with his sister Lilly?
He is her father
He is her brother
He is her cousin
He is her uncle
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Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Rider, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Rider and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
33rd Film Independent Spirit Awards 2018
Best Feature
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Read the complete plot summary of The Rider, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
All of the characters portrayed in this narrative hail from the Lakota Sioux community located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The story revolves around Brady Blackburn, played by Brady Jandreau, who struggles with impoverished living conditions alongside his father, Wayne (Tim Jandreau), and his autistic teenage sister, Lilly (Lilly Jandreau). Once celebrated as a promising rodeo star, Brady’s life takes a drastic turn after a severe rodeo accident leaves him with brain damage. This injury not only weakens his right hand but also makes him susceptible to seizures, with doctors cautioning that continuing to ride would only exacerbate his condition.
Brady frequently visits his friend Lane (Lane Scott), who is currently residing in a care facility due to a similar brain injury incurred from a rodeo mishap. Meanwhile, Brady’s father neglects his responsibilities, squandering their money on drinking and gambling. In a particularly distressing moment, Wayne sells their beloved horse, Gus, to finance their trailer, causing Brady great anguish.
In a bid to support his family, Brady takes on a job at a local grocery store. He also earns extra income by breaking horses. With his hard-earned savings, Brady hopes to invest in another horse, a fiery creature named Apollo. However, his father surprises him by purchasing the horse instead. As Brady forms a connection with Apollo, reminiscent of the bond he shared with Gus, he finds solace in riding once more. Yet, his relentless pursuit leads to a near-fatal seizure, prompting doctors to warn him that riding any further could result in dire consequences.
On returning home, Brady is devastated to discover that his new horse has had an accident that renders it permanently unable to be ridden. Unable to bear the thought of putting down his own horse, he must reluctantly ask his father to handle the heartbreaking decision. In a heated exchange with Wayne, Brady resolves to participate in an upcoming rodeo competition, disregarding his doctors’ stern warnings.
At the competition, as he prepares to ride, he catches sight of his family in the audience. Overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, he ultimately makes the significant decision to step back from the competition and turn away from a life tethered to rodeo riding — a poignant moment of self-realization in his challenging journey.
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